weekend at zhongli’s 🕶

[geophysics]

( continuation of {HERE}.

it’s strange, having any sort of guest in the usually quiet apartment he has learned to call his own. occasionally, he’ll visit what remains of his old domains scattered throughout liyue; now, they are overrun with plant life and monsters and zhongli thinks back to when they were filled with laughter and love, if he dares to even call it that.

nowadays, he resigns himself to the mortal way of living: paying rent for a humble one bedroom apartment close to his place of employment. while he does have a second bedroom, he also has a spare futon that was imported in from inazuma back before the trading embargo really heated up. it’s never served the purpose of what it’s meant to, of course, with his only overnight guest ever being hu tao who had come over to work through some files and then passed out in the guest room from sheer exhaustion.

this is different.

hosting venti, his oldest living friend, seems to make him hyper aware of how little he has to offer as a host. liyue harbor is rich in history and activities, but his apartment itself is bleak. to some degree, he suspects, venti won’t be surprised - zhongli is an old man, after all. a blockhead. his boring apartment, with traditional liyue fixtures and kettles, speaks to that. he supposes venti won’t be spending too much time in it, but it still makes zhongli aware of how mortal they are, now, even as retired gods in name.

so when morning comes, after he’s certain venti is comfortably suited, zhongli can’t stop thinking of how soft venti’s hair was when he touched and how much zhongli wanted to stay up all night with him counting stars and recounting old tales until venti fell asleep, perhaps leaned against him, and zhongli could ensure he slept safely.

he almost burns his hand on the stove as he prepares them breakfast, zoning out like this. his hair is pulled back as usual and he’s wearing something much more casual than his suit - simple house clothes that are a single layer each, that still cover most of his skin but make him look younger. )

Comments

[geophysics]

( why would the guest room be fun? zhongli truly doesn’t get this logic.

he wrinkles his nose, pensively stares, then scoffs. just slightly. )

I haven’t, no. Should I? ( lay in,,, the bed. it’s occupied this month but. but???

he lifts a brow as he finishes another glass of wine. grandpa gets vaguely bold. vaguely. )

[windblume]

For someone who is so keen on making a good impression... my dear friend, you are dense. [ Pretty and stupid, he wanted to say. He'll settle on something less sharp. ] You really haven't even sampled the bed you've expected your guests to enjoy?

[ Furrowing his brow, he tilts his glass with his own dramatics – the wine sloshes out onto the side of the table.... oops. He winces and instead finishes his glass. ANOTHER ONE. ]

When we get back, you'll see what you subject me to.

[ Teasing, he makes it sound like torture. ]

[geophysics]

( is that… is that an offer?

of course it isn’t. venti just wants him to lay down on it. that’s logically all. even so, won’t it faintly smell of venti? … grandpa has it bad. )

If it’s so inhospitably uncomfortable, you are always welcome to mine.

( let that one sink in like zhongli’s near empty third glass of wine. )

[windblume]

[ It will. And if Venti laid upon the soft silken sheets of Zhongli's lonely bed, he'd stuff his face against the earthy musk he's smelling right now. ]

Maybe I will. [ A challenge? Sounds easy enough. ] You'll be begging for your bed back.

[geophysics]

( he isn’t so bold to suggest they could share. he can steep things in implications but to outright say it? not rex lapis. not even when he’s tipsy as all hell right now.

another slight huff. )

I’ll be fine. ( a hard bed would be fine!! he lightly knocks his foot again with venti’s for good measure. )

My coat, my bed… you’re very prone to taking things this visit, old friend.

( take one more. just guess what it could be. )

[windblume]

[ And here, maybe, when he thinks of a luxury that Zhongli would have once afforded... a big, comfortable bed – who would share it? The press of his foot makes him pout and instead, Venti's calf nearly necks against his – butting against it harder for emphasis. ]

Am I taking things when you so readily offer it?

[ His wrath is absolutely the next thing, huh? ]

[geophysics]

( definitely the wrath.

zhongli tries to stifle a snort of a laugh. venti is so unbelievable sometimes. and zhongli is supposed to be the immovable rock! )

I will conceed the coat was more of a gesture, but the bed is in part in efforts to end your needless complaining. ( stop with that foot???? he’ll just lock ankles, maybe. )

[windblume]

A gesture of generosity. Of giving. [ And the bed... ] Who is complaining? If you expect me to sing your praises, rate you the best lay in Liyue –

[ A slip of his tongue and his throat chokes. He immediately laughs, outlandishly trying to cover the perverse thoughts brewing. ]

You the best place to lay in Liyue – ahaha, then you must do better to impress this old bard!

[ Venti pulls his legs away finally. ]

[geophysics]

( they’re both way too tipsy. zhongli doesn’t even dare call venti on that slip because venti’s legs are gone and maybe he really doesn’t have any interest in things of that nature.

so zhongli doesn’t press on it. instead, he rolls his eyes and nurses his last glass of wine as their entrees are brought over. )

Then I will aim to please tomorrow, if you are truly adamant on being a critic.

[windblume]

[ The truth comes out when one is plastered, it seems. There was no denying Venti almost immediately feels the need to put his legs back against Zhongli's. Even if it was childish, it felt... fun?

But, no. He perseveres, instead favoring the entrees brought over. They smell amazing, beautifully prepared and it'll go fine with how he needs to get food in his system or whew... he'll see stars. ]

Ohhhhh, no no, no. Tonight. Let's trade beds. Just so I can be proven right, as always. I do think you'll look nice eating crow.

[geophysics]

( trade beds. venti confirms it. it’s a sad boner now, thanks for asking.

even so, zhongli doesn’t back down from a silly challenge from an even sillier god. )

That’s fine.

( he rolls his eyes as he focuses on his meal. the wine hasn’t completely hit him yet. likely to occur toward the end of the meal and walk back.

for now, he just looks content to enjoy venti’s playful company as they sit and eat by the water. )

[windblume]

[ It's okay. Sad boners are a start.

Venti isn't sure where the shift in their dynamic started or ended – it rolls in ebb and flow. Where Venti once teases, he sobers up further into their meal. "Sobers" in his demeanor only. He still partakes in the wine, discussing small tidbits he learned from a friend and speaks highly of his lands like his name was Rex Lapis.

They bond over old times, reluctant about what the future held. What adventure awaits them.

Venti, over the course of the meal, marvels at everything brought over and laying before him. Honestly – he tilts his head down. ]

You've done well, you know.

[ A compliment, honest. ]

Give them the tools and ability and they carry on Rex Lapis' honor nicely.

[ And curiously with his final glass of wine sipped upon. ]

Now you're stuck with me until the end of your days... watching tides roll in and swill flow between the both of us. What a retirement...

[geophysics]

( as zhongli thinks about it, he can’t help but enjoy the outlook. spending his days reminiscing and then drinking and watching their people, together. perhaps a month isn’t what this is limited to. perhaps he can visit mondstadt after this, return the favor, prolong goodbyes that seem to be growing fewer over the years.

zhongli spends time explaining each dish and how it originated. he delights in old lore and the history of each restaurant and the families that have run each and every.

by the time zhongli pays for their meal and embarrassingly large number of wine bottles, his face is flushed red with the booze and he can’t resist the geniune smile. )

It doesn’t sound terrible. ( just say you like it, moron. he rises slowly from his seat. ) Are you ready to head back?

[windblume]

No, there's worse ways to spend my days.

[ He's being smug about it. Calm. Casual. If he said how much he enjoyed their adventure tonight, he'd absolutely blush and spill out that seeing Zhongli drenched head to toe was worth everything to him. He polishes off his glass with a clank and taps it impatiently to the table. A hand goes down to pat at his stomach in approval. ]

Sure. Goodbye, Liyue Harbor – may we remember you fondly as we stumble into uncomfortable beds and sleep over the stories of a lifetime!

[ Yes? He calls it out to the masses, standing up and only accenting how boisterous he was while drunk. ]

Your bed awaits, Zhongli.

[ Like that's not suggestive. ]

[geophysics]

( at least venti loudly said beds. plural. even so, his ears burn hotter and he grumbles at how loud venti is being. he has a good reputation around here and you’re ruining it, bard!

zhongli snatches venti’s hand and begins to drag him toward his little apartment that’s a measly couple of blocks away. )

Stop being so loud. It’s late.

( GRUMBLE. )

[windblume]

[ The city was still very much awake. Did Liyue ever stop hustling? Late shops, late venues for entertainment – Mora to be spent and there were so many willing to spend it. His feet stumble along as he's tugged, laughing the whole way. ]

It's not laaaate. You're really underestimating yourself here. Do you have a bedtime or something?

[ Or is he wishing to just rest and forget about how Venti looked lit up by lantern glows and enjoying himself so unashamed? He doesn't stop holding onto Zhongli's hand. ]

I missed this. A lot, actually! Didn't you?

[ Being with someone who ... wasn't just a face-value friend or someone who will crumble into dust over time, he means. ]

[geophysics]

( of course he missed it. he misses venti every single second he isn’t terrorizing liyue with wine or songs or absurd ideas.

it makes him ache.

but right now? he’s happy despite pretending to be utterly exasperated. zhongli keeps that hand in his tightly, tossing him a sidelong glance. )

Of course. But you’re making a fool of yourself. You’re already dressed ridiculously, there is no need to draw even more attention to yourself.

( GOSH. but maybe because he wants all of venti’s attention, unshared.

he may be stumbling up the short staircase toward the front door of his apartment. rip zhongli. )

[windblume]

Dressed ridiculously? You insult my Mondstadt honor?! Or do you mean –

[ The big gaping hole in his tights? Yeah. He stops right outside of Zhongli's apartment, tilting his leg towards the man. The tear has gotten bigger, exposing flesh and chasing towards his knee. It'd be so easy to just rip further... ]

Ah, it is quite bad, isn't it? Oh well. Part of the adventure.

[ He's definitely still not letting go – leaning back to the wall next to the front door with a huff. ]

Y'know, starting to think you're embarrassed of me.

[geophysics]

( he’s embarrassed by his own thirst, not venti specifically.

zhongli manages to unlock his door, finally. he tosses venti another weary look before he finally considers letting go of his hand. it’s kind of awkward to just drag him inside platonically. so.

well, he’ll just do it anyway. and even further, toward his bedroom. because venti wanted to steal his bed, right? )

[windblume]

[ In they go, only a darkness to welcome them. Shadows dance against them and beckon them to the pockets of light where the moon shines through the window. Towards Zhongli's room they go – ]

I know what you're thinking about...

[ Drunken, cryptic... Venti stops and lets the moment linger on. Cruelly, without even meaning to. The mood shifts as he snickers. ]

How horribly uncomfortable my bed is. Sorry to say... you made your bed and I shall enjoy yours greatly.

[geophysics]

( cruel and unusual.

he’s actually thinking about pushing venti down into the crisp and clean sheets, thinking about tearing those leggings more…

but he rolls his eyes again. he leans in close, warmly, lingering — and then plucks his jacket back from venti’s shoulders, golden eyes glowing in the darkness. )

Rest well, drunken bard. Don’t ruin the sheets.

[windblume]

[ In one fell swoop, Venti loses the heat to his body. He feels cold. The loss of Zhongli's jacket makes him feel lonely. So he sighs and stumbles to the door – waving a hand dismissively. ]

Never. I'm a good boy, after all. The best. I'll treat your bed kindly, gentle and –

[ He mumbles something incoherent, giving a nod before the door shuts. All he's doing is leaving them both to their ridiculous thoughts. Of course, it doesn't stop him from crawling into Zhongli's bed with no care or attention to study him – not when he's this drunk. All he cares about is how soft Zhongli's sheets feel against his face as he lays down. But... will sleep take him? ]

[geophysics]

( idiot bard. absurd. unbelievable. it doesn’t make sense that of all the immortals out there, he had to grow attached to this one.

zhongli leaves to the guest room, leaving the door slightly ajar. he hangs his jacket on the back of his chair and then glances over at the bed, the moonlight illuminating it. sighing, he takes a seat and unlaces his boots and strips down to his undergarments.

what a day. what a god damn day.

zhongli still remembers how it felt to hold venti’s hand, how it felt laying beside him. ah…

it’s been a long time since he felt so wound-up. his hand drops down between his thighs, remembering how soft venti’s skin was. his eyes flutter shut and his palm ghosts over the head of his cock which is still half-hard from all of their banter and looking back to earlier today. he sighs, that brief touch to the clothed head of his cock electric already. there’s no way postponing this, is there?

his eyes close once more and he slips his hand down beneath the fabric and tugs his cock free. only then does he slowly curl his fingers around the base of it, fingertips gliding delicately as he imagines venti might, considering their size difference and the fact they had avoided anything even mildly scandalous over the centuries.

he’s really hard, now, the top of his cock beading with pre-cum. )

[windblume]

[ It was a strange moment settling into Zhongli's bed.

His frame was so tiny in it, nearly drowning at this rate. How desperately he wanted to prove Zhongli wrong – that this bed was way better. It's stiff, just like his borrowed one, and he's realizing that maybe...the size is the issue? It feels lonely and as he grumbles and rolls to his side? There's no position that makes him feel any better.

He sobers up, ten minutes maybe, just looking at the ceiling. Sleep doesn't take him, steal him away from Liyue. Venti wonders if Zhongli was already asleep, if he passed out like a stone. Somehow, in that imaginative mind of his, he doesn't think of Zhongli jerking off – no, actually he's fairly chaste. His hand ghosts the space next to him, wondering if the old geo would prefer the left or right side of a bed... very serious questions, you know.

...Maybe part of him really wants to know.

Venti scoots to the edge of the bed, crawling (thanks for the quick dick rub) like a literal fucking toddler to get out of it. He's on his way to Zhongli, drunk enough to try and answer his own thought. And... maybe drunk enough to want to see how Zhongli looks at his most peaceful... ]

[geophysics]

( even if it’s been awhile, zhongli takes his time. his hair is pulled loose, freely spilling over his chest. the way he’s situated on the bed, his side profile is visible through the doorway.

zhongli’s fist moves slowly up and down. he’s sizable, even given his own stature, and to be honest, in the moonlight, veins of golden geo glow even along his cock.

zhongli’s breathing is heavy, a low moan like the rumble of stones, as he dares to even bite his bottom lip. )